The Russellville Sharks may have been around for nearly 60 years, but that doesn't mean there hasn't been some changes. Head coach Janna Ritchie has made a few adjustments this year, though the team's goal remains the same: Swimming towards strong character and body.

This year, Ritchie said around 100 kids have signed up, though many haven't returned from their summer vacations. The team is set to take 52 young swimmers to the Clarksville meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at the city pool located on Pool Street.

"What we're doing since our team's so large, instead of practicing five days a week for two hours each, we're having to do half that amount of time," she said. "What we're looking at this year is more quality practices."

Ritchie said this year's team will be even more technically sound, thanks in large part to the rest of the coaching staff.

"We have a diverse group of talent this year, but I think what's going to really help us this year is our coaching staff," Ritchie said. "We should have a more technically sound team this year."

Erik Oynes returns with 18 years of swimming experience. Oynes, who Ritchie said has "awesome" technical abilities, swam for Louisiana State University for four years and has eight years of coaching under his belt.

Joining the staff this year is Courtney Blockburger, who has 11 years of swimming experience. Blockburger spent years swimming with the Little Rock Dolphins-Laser Swim Team, who many consider to be one of the best teams in the state. She swam for the U.S. Naval Academy before an injury cut her career short.

"I'm already super-impressed with Courtney," Ritchie said. "After just three practices, she's already proven herself to be a huge asset to the team. She's just excited to get back involved."

Another newcomer to the staff is Amanda Benson, who swam with the Razorbacks Aquatic Club in Northwest Arkansas and the Walmart Swim Club since she was 6 years old. The has spent the last three years training with the University of Arkansas swimmers and participates in triathalons.

There will undoubtably be a bunch of new faces making a splash this summer, but there are some expected to make a huge impact this summer.

Darrell, 17, and Sarah Henderson, 12, are expected to be two of the team's strongest swimmers.

"He's our oldest swimmer on the team and has been with us for four years," Ritchie said. "He's a good, hard worker in practice. He's come a long way as far as instruction and helping out with the younger kids. Sarah is a bit of an up-and-comer. She's a strong butterfly swimmer."

Chris Newby, 13, will be one of the better distance swimmers this year, while Elam Fulton, 12, widely-regarded as one of the best athletes on the team, will again dominate the sprints. Fulton was in the top five fastest female swimmers for the Sharks last year at age 11.